We live in a time of greater openness, with relatively few topics that remain off-limits. We’ve seen progress in the extent to which people are able and willing to talk about their mental and psychological health, for example.
But there’s one subject many of us like to avoid: money. While we can talk about it in general terms, many of us — in the UK at least — would prefer not to go into detail about our personal finances. This is especially the case within families and between couples, where the consequences of not having open conversations about finances can be serious.
Being able to communicate openly and honestly about money is an important part of relationships, particularly as it’s often a potential cause of conflict. And it’s that sensitivity that can make it a difficult subject that might feel easier to avoid. So, on Financial Awareness Day 2025, here are some pointers for getting that conversation started — and ensuring you’ll be glad you did it.
Plan ahead
It’s hard to be cold and clinical about money, especially within the family. Different emotions will be attached to it, particularly when it’s linked to life events such as moving home, raising a family, looking after elderly relatives and dealing with Wills, for instance. Try to avoid having the conversation when you’re both tired and stressed for example — plan ahead and agree on a time and place that you’re both happy with.
It’s ok to not know
We sometimes avoid talking about money because we don’t feel confident enough in dealing with it. But financial worries are universal, and you don’t need a certain level of knowledge or understanding in order to get the conversation going. Don’t be afraid to admit what you don’t know or that you don’t feel on top of things — help each other out and fill in the gaps together.
Have an agenda
It can be easy to go off track when talking about money, especially with those emotions kicking about. Decide between you exactly what you want to discuss — and keep it to that. Whether it’s about short-term problems, long-term goals or specific issues such as mortgage repayments, budgeting or insurance, make a list of the topics you want to cover, and stick to it.
Ask for help
Family finances can be complex, and chances are that you won’t have all the knowledge you need in order to navigate them. A financial adviser can play a big role in helping you with the big conversations as well as putting together a long-term plan for you. There are also sources of support and information for specific issues too. For instance, the likes of Citizens Advice and the StepChange Debt charity can help with debt-related matters, while the Money Helper website is a free, impartial source of information and guidance on finances in general.
Don’t be an ostrich
Whatever you do, don’t keep your financial worries to yourself, because it’s a sure-fire way to make them worse. Bottling up our thoughts and feelings about money — and other difficult topics — can lead to even greater stress, and potentially more significant mental and physical issues.
A lot of financial issues are difficult to talk about, especially when it comes to debts, illness, social care, housing, bereavement and other matters. But finding a way to talk about them may well be the biggest single step you can take on the way to dealing with any money problems you have and getting things back on track. We have six simple steps on how to pull your head out the sand and get your finances in order.
Listen and be respectful
We know that conversations about money can feel confrontational and challenging, so do what you can to talk about things without it developing into conflict. That means listening to each other, pausing before reacting, communicating clearly, acknowledging each other’s thoughts and feelings and asking each other about your financial hopes and fears.
Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash
